Posting Portrait Price Lists Online - PART 1 of 4

Two Fundamental Pitfalls 

Common Commodities?

I am sure we've all seen a growing number of photographers post their price-lists on their websites, which to any seasoned photographer is problematic at best, and on many levels. From my perspective, the primary pitfalls, among many, are twofold.

First, posting one's cut-rate prices online serves to truncate and restrict the relationship between photographer and client - long before it ever begins. When the determining factor is built upon cost, and not value, understanding, or personal connection, the substantive glue that binds the parties together is the price - that is, any "photographer" who offers a better one.

Secondly, when price is the deciding factor, the photographer is relegated to a commodity. Nothing more - nothing less. That is, assuming that one understands the importance of the relational component of photography and cherishes the personal connection, as well as appreciates the aesthetic essence of the photographic arts and aspires to cultivate it.

Obviously then, whether or not one opts to participate in online price-posting not only depends on what sort of client one is speaking to, but primarily of what sort of "photographer" one wishes to be perceived. Let me try to explain further.

There are assumptions clients make about those who disclose their prices online (especially cut-rate ones), which I believe we all understand but rarely articulate. On the other hand, where price is not at the forefront of one's online presence, it's more than likely because the photographer feels their price is perceived by their potential clients to be more than they may have budgeted or had in mind. Thus, price is neither the focus or listed at all. Instead, a request is stated to inquire for pricing, or is left to infer.

Ergo, when the potential client's eyes are tickled by what they see, and have discretionary income to purchase the quality they've just viewed, they will be motivated to take the next step. However, before price is thoroughly discussed, I advise that some sort of relationship and demonstration of care and competence must first be demonstrated. Afterword, I prefer to volunteer pricing considerations.

This is not to say a 'call to action' is omitted from one's website. In fact, more the merrier. However, rather than begging "Here's my price-list, pleeeeeease call me...," a brief, professionally worded statement will do just fine: "We look forward to hearing from you and are excited about the opportunity to share the distinctive services we have to offer."

For instance, when I went online to locate a dentist to help me with a painful tooth... PART 2

Part 3
Part 4

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic and philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan Photography

Mark Jordan Photography
Orange County Family Portrait
Orange County Beach Portrait
Orange County Senior Portrait
Orange County Children Portraits
Orange County Headshot
Belly Art Photography
Wordle™ Puzzles

Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan Photography, a family portrait photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita, specializes in crafting striking family portrait photography with styles ranging from contemporary, traditional, and storytelling. Mark Jordan photography (as award winning beach photographer) also specializes in beach family photography, high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity and headshots. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer (a Rancho Santa Margarita portrait studio), and provides family portrait photography throughout Orange County and Southern California. Mark Jordan's Orange County family portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where Mark Jordan photography studio services are offered are as an Aliso Viejo Photographer, Anaheim Photographer, Costa Mesa Photographer, Coto de Caza Photographer, Dana Point Photographer, Dove Canyon Photographer, Huntington Beach Photographer, Irvine Photographer, Ladera Ranch Photographer, Laguna Beach Photographer, Laguna Hills Photographer, Laguna Niguel Photographer, Lake Forest Photographer, Mission Viejo Photographer, Newport Beach Photographer, Northwood Photographer, Orange Photographer, Orange Park Acres Photographer, San Clemente Photographer, San Juan Capistrano Photographer, Santa Ana Photographer, Tustin Photographer, Villa Park Photographer, Westminster Photographer, Yorba Linda Photographer, Corona del Mar Photographer, Riverside Photographer, Temecula Photographer, Chino Hills Photographer, Loma Linda Photographer, Rancho Bernardo Photographer, Carlsbad Photographer, San Diego Photographer, Turtle Rock Photographer, Shady Canyon Photographer. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our family portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.